Jon Lauritz Ottesen

April 25, 1948 – January 2, 2021

It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of Jon Lauritz Ottesen on January 2, 2021 in Kelowna, BC.

Jon was a loving and dedicated husband to his wife Gail, devoted father to Jennifer (Rob) and Jason (Stephanie), grandfather affectionately referred to as Pops to Kyla, Brandon, Darien, Chenielle, Jocelyn and 6 great grandchildren. He will also be thoroughly missed by his beloved dog/companion Sallee.

Jon was born April 25, 1948 in Casper, Wyoming. Born to a Civil Engineer’s family, as a child, Jon lived around the world while his father built hydroelectric dams. After time spent in Wyoming, Colorado, Turkey, and New York he eventually came to Canada in 1964 with his parents to settle in West Vancouver. This fostered his adventurous spirit and love to see and discover new things.

Jon married Gail in April of 1969 and brought his new wife to remote Mica Creek. Shortly after their arrival in Mica they purchased the only gas and service station, which was a very demanding endeavour for the newlyweds. They also provided oil for heating homes and towing service in the area. Together they operated the service station for 6 years having up to 12 employees working for them at once. During this time, Jon was an auxiliary RCMP and part of the Search and Rescue group. Life was always a crazy adventure while living there and he often reminisced about those days fondly.

In 1975 they left Mica with their young family and lived briefly in Kelowna, before settling in Vernon where they have lived ever since, raising their two children.

Jon worked in the tire, automotive and power sport industries throughout the Thompson Okanagan area, in roles as owner, service manager and GM. Jon briefly retired but found he was bored, prompting him to go back to work, this time to be in the outdoors that he loved dearly. His semi-retired life led him to work at Silver Star where he managed Tube Town and drove the snow groomers. For the past 5 years, he worked for his son-in-law Rob at Landmark Solutions doing jobs he loved: hauling materials and equipment to various sites, driving heavy equipment, and being captain of the ship. No matter where he worked or what he did, he was always highly respected and admired for the way he carried out his job, and his genuine compassion for all those that he worked with.

Jon has always had a passion for the outdoors and helping others. He started his service with Search and Rescue when he lived in Mica Creek, continuing his service shortly after he moved to Vernon, joining Vernon Search and Rescue in 1977. Jon was always at the ready whenever a call came in to look for someone, it never mattered what time of day or night it was. A dedicated Search Manager, Search Master, Chief of Rescue, recruiter, trainer of many specialties, mentor and friend to all. He helped save and rescue hundreds of lives over 45 years of service to the North Okanagan, with his additional service when he lived in Mica Creek, he had over 52 years of dedicated service to Search and Rescue in BC.

Jon loved to go on adventures and enjoyed travelling with his family. There are fond memories of travel all over Canada, the States, China, Mexico, Italy and Greece.

Due to Covid there will be no memorial service at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jon’s name to the Vernon Search and Rescue or to the Vernon SPCA. Words of condolences can be sent to Jennifer at jenudy@gmail.com or Jason at jason.ottesen@shaw.ca which will be shared with the family.

“The idea is not to live forever but create something that will.” – Andy Warhol